At the heart of the Les Halles district in the 1st arrondissement stands one of Paris' most visited churches, the Church of St Eustace. Boasting Gothic architecture with a Renaissance décor, it impresses visitors with its imposing, cathedral-like dimensions. Built from 1532 to 1640 following the plans of Notre-Dame, then restored by the architect Victor Baltard after the fire of 1844, it is now one of the capital's most beautiful churches. Inside, the building has magnificent stained glass windows in its choir, a monumental churchwarden's pew at the centre of the nave, and a very beautiful axial chapel dedicated to the Virgin. Famed for its organs, which are some of the biggest in France, it holds free recitals every Sunday afternoon. What's more, the church regularly welcomes choirs and philharmonic formations, as well as hosting prestigious festivals.
After your visit, why not take a break in the pleasant Nelson Mandela Garden nearby, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the south façade of the Church of St Eustace!
